Croaky Sharon Corr has lost her voice ahead of this week’s first Voice of Ireland final.

The coach was due to take to the stage with Jamelia, Kian Egan and Bressie to kick off proceedings on the live shows.

But the 42-year-old has been struck down with a bad cold – which has robbed her of her own voice.

Now frantic producers are worried the star might not be able to join the others in the St Patrick’s Day celebration at the Helix.

An insider said: “Sharon has been struck with a really bad cold.

“Her doctor has told her she is not even allowed to speak if there’s a hope she’ll be able to sing on Sunday.

“The coaches had planned to kick off the first big night with a bang by singing an Irish rock anthem.

“But now Sharon might not be able to sing her part – she might just have to play the violin instead.”

The singer has taken a vow of silence but producers hope she will be able to talk in time for the final.

The insider added: “It’s a bad situation to be in but at least there are a few days between now and the live final for her to try and recover.” Sunday night at The Helix will be the first time all the teams go head-to-head.

The show kicks off at 7pm on RTE 1 and will run until 8.30pm, followed by live results at 9.30pm.

Each team will see three acts perform with the act with the highest votes in each team going through to the next round.

The coaches then face the agonising decision of sending one of their crew home from the two remaining singers.

The insider added: “It’s a big moment for all the contestants.

“They have been practising hard and it’s never easy to be the first ones out there.